Lackluster
by Oh10born on 8/5/24Ohio Expo Center & State Fair - ColumbusRating: 3 out of 5The Ohio Players were lackluster in comparison to the opening act of MidNight Star. Don't get it twisted, the Ohio Players performed all the songs you'd expect and many of them were huge hits BUT, there was a definite absence of energy and liveliness in the performance. The crowd at the Ohio State Fair seemed to be primed and ready for energy and enthusiasm yet received the equivalent of laid back house music, that sent many to the exits.
The only original member performing was the drummer (James "Diamond"Williams) and his skills are STILL great (he's an awesome drummer and you can hear that), he actually sang many of the songs, problem is he needs to be outfront! With the loss of Sugarfoot the Ohio Players need a lead singer and a whole rearrangement of the act, including their intro!
I love the Ohio Players, the 1st time I saw them was 1968, they were ELECTRIC and mesmerizing. I was so excited I inched my way all the way to the front of the crowd and concert attendees' placed me on their shoulders, I was 8 years old. A local band opened the show, followed by Sly and the Family Stone, once the Ohio Players hit the stage it was obvious why the other bands were the opening acts.
Although I wanted the old Ohio Players in this current concert, I knew too many things had changed and time is unforgiving. Nevertheless, my hats off to a R&B group that has provided so much funk and great music to society.